Obituary of Graziella E. Mender

Graziella Ellie Mender passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, April 12, 2018, leaving us and so many others who knew and loved her at the age of 77. Born in Lovran, Croatia, she was a long time resident of Rockleigh, NJ. She was a loving mother, grandmother and wife who gave unconditional love and filled the room with happiness. She enjoyed singing, dancing and playing tennis.  Her selflessness has shaped and impacted so many friends and family.  She will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. Graziella is survived by her loving husband of 59 years Ivan John Mender; daughter Sandra Marie Mender Butera, her husband Frank; son John F. Mender, his wife Tisha; five grandchildren: JD, Alexa, Christian, Annalise, Luka; a brother Edo Bencinic and a sister Tamara Loncarek. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 16^th and Tuesday April 17^th from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, (vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff.  The Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, 199 Walnut Street, Northvale, NJ 07647. Entombment will follow at Garden of Memories Mausoleum in the Township of Washington. Contributions in Graziella’s memory may be made to St. Anthony’s Church.